Impact of mechanical anisotropy on flat-rolled wires geometry

A precise final geometry of flat-rolled wires is required in view of their industrial applications. However, comparison between experimental and computed cross-sections shows a gap of 10%. This difference might originate in the anisotropy introduced by wire drawing. Coefficients of an anisotropic constitutive model (Hill 48) have been identified from transverse compression tests. Then Lam3®, a finite element software, has been used to simulate rolling passes. The anisotropic law previously established significantly improves the estimation of the final width: yet the underestimation of the experimental width is 5% instead of 10%. Possible ways for further improvement are discussed.